I’m very pleased to report that coronavirus infections and hospital admissions have continued to fall in Sheffield. Lockdown restrictions have been effective as the latest figures show that positive cases and hospitalisations have both dropped over the past seven days compared to the previous week.

To date, Sheffield has seen 26,037 positive tests recorded and the overall proportion of people testing positive is currently 6.3%.  The rate in positive cases among 18-24-year-olds has reduced substantially, is decreasing in over-65s and flattening in 0-15-year-olds. There are 75 confirmed Covid-19 patients in Sheffield receiving oxygen/ventilation support at the moment and there have been 103 hospitalisations for Covid-19 in the past 7 days, which represents a further decrease over the previous week.

The first coronavirus vaccinations have also taken place today, which is fantastic news and I give my heartfelt thanks to the world-leading scientists and those who have taken part in trials. Those aged 80 and over, care home workers and NHS staff will receive the vaccine first as it is gradually rolled out to everyone. People will be invited to be vaccinated when it is their turn so there is no need to contact your GP or hospital.

Lockdown restrictions are working and the vaccine means that the end of the coronavirus pandemic is in sight. But it will take time for everyone to receive a vaccination so, in the meantime, we must do all we can to ensure that infections continue to fall. Let’s continue to pull together, abide by the restrictions, and protect our community.